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Quite a short session today which started with a variation on the bleep ( beep) test. They all lined up and did the usual run to a line and back again on the beep but it was all very slow and after about 2 minutes they stopped and did some stretches. Then off again slightly quicker followed by more stretches. It looked like it would go on all afternoon but it ended suddenly and before they had even got to a decent jog. A bit strange to the idiot onlooker like me but it was all to do with monitoring heart rates and recovery times etc etc.

Even though it was hardly testing it does enable them to make comparisons to other situations when they are stretched and results taken. I am sure it all means something to the sports science guys. Eddie N just shrugged his shoulders and said he just let's them get on with it. A load of other warm up routines followed under the watchful eye of a group of children who I assume had won a competition or something. I must find out how they got in when I was in the usual spot behind the fencing with a blue all the way from Sydney Australia.

They did a short keep ball circle session with the usual fun and inevitable NDJ lunging challenge before breaking into an 8 v 7 match up on half a pitch. The 2 who stood out to me in this were Petrov and Kompany.Petrov scored the first after a set up by RSC. As fierce dipping volleys go it was sensational and he followed it with another great effort which hit the inside of the post with the keeper rooted. Amazing the oppo defence left him the time to shoot.Interesting that the keeper for the side letting goals in was David the Columbian who was very quiet compared to Stu Taylor at the other end who constantly shouts out instructions and warnings

Vinnie just looked authoratative in pretty well everything he did. Good when defending in 1 to 1's and good with the ball and on the one occasion something went wrong he was livid. Match practice aside he is ready.

Toure was around doing all the warm up stuff today but didnt take part in the football match.Bellers wasn't on view at all and neither were Tevez or Nedum. Apart from Nedum I was told they should all be ok for Sunday. The other missing player was Robinho and he didnt even come out for 1 to 1 work. From what I have heard he might make next Wednesday but I would say that is looking doubtful.

I forgot about Adebayor!! Not there today and his foot is still sore but they expect him to be fine as well for Sunday.

I think I need a rest so I won't be around now for training for a few days, back Sunday.

Thanks again Doug and enjoy your rest. Sounds like Petrov is doing everything right at the moment to keep his place, both in matches and training. Gonna be some difficult decisions to make both in the short term (Fulham) and beyond when Robinho is also fit, in regards to the attacking options.

But what a great problem we finally have

Cheers Doug. How's Weiss looking these days? Could he get a game v Scunthorpe; any rumours? Been hoping we'd see him on the pitch a bit more, as a sub at least but obviously circumstances haven't been quite right for that so far.

Hello Doug. I have been reading your reports for ages with pleasure and interest. Just want to say a big thank you for them.

guys,

Take it or leave it but a bloke in work got Ade's autograph yesterday and he was on crutches with some sort of cast on his foot/lower leg.

Maybe he was on his way to get it took off as the interaction took place at a hopsital. Best case is he may be running Friday for me which means fulham is no go.

You need a rest??? Is standing at a fence so energy sapping? Have you not tried leaning against the fence?

Tut tut. I dont know what the younger generation is made of these days.


Only joking Doug. Great stuff as usual.

Not written in thanks before, but always enjoy these reports. It takes a dedicated fan to watch training every day and then report back, so thanks Doug. Your comments are well appreciated here in New york

Cheers Doug for another great read!

Blue in the face wrote:You need a rest??? Is standing at a fence so energy sapping? Have you not tried leaning against the fence?

Tut tut. I dont know what the younger generation is made of these days.


Only joking Doug. Great stuff as usual.

Younger generation....I wish. As for Ade who knows what the truth is. I tend to believe what I am told and so far it has always been spot on. Eddie N said it was still sore but its a knock rather than a muscle injury or sprain and he should be fine and one of the physios said he would be ok as well.

To be honest Weiss hasnt looked at his best just recently. Todays game was a good one for him though from a development perspective as it was a 3 touch game. He does generally tend to hold onto the ball a bit too long for me and this might help him make decisons quicker. Still looks a player though.

Fuck sake its bad enough finding out important players are out for a short while - we have others though- but finding out Doug is out for a few days is just gutting.

You were hitting top form as well.

Doug,

Keep reporting. I'm sure that one day the training will be more professional.

Crocky Higginbottom needs a rest? With the amount he gets paid he should be the first one there in the morning, last to leave. Where is the monies Doug? WHERE IS THE MONIES???

Top post as always Doug.
Its totally unacceptable that they let kids into the training grounds and not you !!

Maybe we should run a petition to appoint you as our official Training Observer.

God I used to hate that damn beep test. No matter how fit you are you still get to a death point!!